By Blessing Elo Oghene
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to renovate the historic Memorial Hall of King J.T. Princewill, Amachree VII, in Buguma, Rivers State, as part of efforts to preserve the cultural heritage and identity of the Niger Delta region.
The Managing Director of the commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, made the pledge while addressing the Kalabari Traditional Rulers Council at the palace of the Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom, Chief Charles Numbere Princewill, in Buguma.
Ogbuku, who led a delegation of NDDC management and staff, alongside former employees of the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), was in the community to pay his last respects to the late Pa Albert Korubo Horsfall, the pioneer chairman of OMPADEC.
He explained that the commission’s development mandate extended beyond the construction of roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure to include the preservation of the region’s history, culture and heritage.
“Our development mandate goes beyond the construction of roads, bridges, and other physical infrastructure. It also entails preserving our history, culture, and heritage, which are essential to our identity as a people. We must ensure that these enduring legacies are protected and sustained for present and future generations,” he said.
The NDDC managing director described the Memorial Hall of King J.T. Princewill as an important historical landmark representing the rich history, traditional heritage and enduring identity of the Kalabari people.
According to him, the proposed renovation is aimed at restoring the facility and preserving its significance for community members and visitors.
Ogbuku also paid tribute to the late Horsfall, noting that his pioneering leadership at OMPADEC contributed to the development of regional administration and development initiatives across the Niger Delta.
He described Horsfall’s death as a significant loss to his family, the Kalabari Kingdom and the wider Niger Delta region, acknowledging his contributions to the establishment of development administration in the area.
In his response, the Regent of the Kalabari Kingdom, Chief Charles Numbere Princewill, thanked the NDDC delegation for honouring the late elder statesman.
He also welcomed the commission’s commitment to renovating the historic Memorial Hall, expressing appreciation for efforts to preserve the kingdom’s cultural landmarks and historical legacy
